Exercise frame

ABSTRACT

A floor plate is suitably sized to receive a wheelchair and also supports a base frame along rear and side edges. Prepositioned brackets on the floor plate secure the base frame using quick-connect fasteners. Opposite side portions of the base frame carry elevated, horizontal, tubular, side housings that telescope over elongated exercise bars. A fastener secures each exercise bar in a housing at a variably selected degree of insertion. An upright tube at the rear of the base frame has an open top forming a socket. An upright standard engages the socket and carries an overhead bar supporting a transverse crossbar over the center of the floor plate. The ends of the crossbar, the front ends of exercise bars, the front end of the floor plate, and various other locations on the base frame carry C-shaped attachments for clip-on resistance members. The attachments are sized to serve as handgrips. Casters on the rear edge of the floor plate are moved into ground-engaged positions with the upward tilting of the front of the floor plate, which is aided by the use of handgrip attachments on the front of the floor plate. Fasteners securing the base frame to all other components are quickly released for rapid disassembly of the exercise frame, enabling it to be transported by hand or by vehicle to a next site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to exercise devices that

provide support for the entire body. More specifically, the exerciseframe is of the type that utilizes resilient force as resistance, withuser supplied counter force against a user occupied platform. Theinvention is an exercise frame with a uniquely portable frame thatprovides wide adjustability to the needs of the user.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Exercise frames are known in many configurations. The typical purpose ofan exercise frame is to provide a supporting and anchoring structure forresistance elements and devices while a user is exercising. Thus, suchexercise frames may be a part of a weightlifting system or another typeof exercise system, such as a system employing elastic cords asresistance elements.

As special need exists for an exercise frame that is highly portable.This need relates to the work of therapists and trainers who bringequipment with them to a user's location. Although various exerciseframe or devices are foldable or capable of convenient storage, they donot offer realistic capability to be assembled and disassembled inminutes. Neither do they offer the realistic capability to be carried inmanageable subassemblies by a single person over considerable distance.Further, they do not offer the realistic capability to be loaded into asingle passenger automobile that is sized on the order of a stationwagon.

All of these capabilities are required in order for many therapists andtrainers to call upon a significant plurality of clients per day. Insome cases, the client cannot conveniently travel to the trainer or to agym, making it highly important that the trainer can travel with hisequipment to the client. Thus, the subcomponents of an exercise frameshould be easy to handle and should include aids for lifting andcarrying.

It would be beneficial for the exercise frame to be configured withattachments for anchoring resilient force elements from a wide varietyof positions, thus enabling exercises to originate from many directions.In a frame with transportable components, it would be desirable for theattachment points to be configured and arranged to aid in assembly,disassembly, and movement of subcomponents.

Some such clients may be limited in their movements or confined towheelchairs. Consequently, a suitable portable exercise frame shouldmeet the additional qualification of being suited for use by a seateduser, such as a user in a wheelchair. A variety of exercise frames areadapted for use by wheelchair users, but none are known to meet the fullrange of aforementioned requirements.

In the general art of exercise devices, typical known devices are notnecessarily able to provide a wide range of exercise, accommodatewheelchairs, and enable rapid portability. Some employ limited featuresalso found in the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No.6,887,190 to Azari shows an exercise frame that employs tension membersclipped to any of a variety of eyelets, some at high locations andothers at low locations. However, this frame is not highly portable andthe eyelets are not adapted to assist in assembly, disassembly, andmovement of subcomponents.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,160 to LaFond shows an exercise frame built on abase plate and carrying an adjustable overhead bar with transversecrossbar. However, this frame is not highly portable and offerssubstantially limited forms of exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,992 to Shafik shows a multiple purpose exerciseframe that supports boxing equipment such as a punching bag and heavybag on variably positioned supports. This type of exercise equipmentdoes not lend itself to the portability needed for purposes of thepresent invention.

Additional general background is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,919Jorgensen, which shows the use of elastic resistance members to providetension. U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,897 to Olson shows a frame with adjustableheight for a specific exercise component. U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,525 toDavis shows a small and simple exercise device for use in a shower, andthis device is transportable. None of these devices provides equivalentfunctions and advantages as the present invention.

A number of exercise devices can accommodate a wheelchair. U.S. Pat. No.5,362,297 Muir shows an exercise frame with operator cage to receive awheelchair. A lap restraint arm is specifically suited to support a userin a wheelchair. This exercise frame clearly is not portable in the wayrequired for purposes of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,128 to Mabry shows an exercise frame with operatorarea receiving a wheelchair that is strapped in place. However, thisexercise frame employs fixed weight and is not reasonably portable.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,227 to Sowell shows an exercise frame suited for useby an operator in a wheelchair. Various exercise appliances are slidableon the frame to be within reach of the operator seated at a singlestation. However, this frame is not reasonably portable within the needsof the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an exercise frame that meetsthe needs of trainers and therapists who transport exercise equipment tothe location of the user. The exercise frame is versatile and enables awide variety of exercises. The exercise frame also is well suited to theneeds of those in a wheelchair. In addition, the exercise frame employsmulti-function components to aid in handling the assembly, disassembly,and movement of the frame.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, the method and apparatus of this invention may comprise thefollowing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against the described background, it is therefore a general object ofthe invention to provide a strong and versatile exercise frame that alsois disassembled and reassembled with ease, allowing the exercise frameto be transported as desired.

According to the invention, a portable exercise frame is convertiblebetween assembled and disassembled configurations. In the assembledconfiguration, a floor plate defines an operator area and is suitablysized to receive a user, optionally in a wheelchair. The floor platecarries a base frame. Portions of the base frame include opposite, firstand second side frames located near opposite, first and second sideedges of the floor plate. Another portion of the base frame is a rearframe located near a rear edge of the floor plate. The opposite, firstand second side frames each including an upstanding portion carrying arespective first and second longitudinally elongated side housing spacedabove the floor plate. The side housing defines a passage oriented fromfront-to-rear of the floor plate. First and second longitudinallyelongated exercise bars are telescopically received in the passages ofthe respective first and second side housings. Fasteners releasablysecure the first and second longitudinally elongated exercise bars in aselected position through the respective side housings, chosen from aplurality of available positions. A plurality of anchoring members isconfigured suitably for, in use, attaching a resistance element to theexercise frame when the frame is in assembled configuration. Theanchoring members are suitably configured for hand engagement to aid incarrying disassembled portions of the exercise frame when indisassembled configuration. At least some of said anchoring members aremounted to the floor plate, to the base frame, and to the exercise bars.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the assembled exercise frame, taken froma front right elevated viewpoint, and showing a representative number offasteners in exploded position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view thereof, taken from a left rear elevatedviewpoint, and showing a representative number of fasteners in explodedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a mobile exercise frame 10 that is especially suitedfor use by an operator or user who is in a wheelchair, although its useis not limited to that application. In fully assembled configuration,the exercise frame 10 is able to provide a full range of body exercise,using resilient cords as a source of resistance. The cords are securedto the frame or platform, and the operator supplies counter forceagainst a operator occupied platform. An important feature is that theframe is capable of being disassembled with speed and ease, reducing theframe 10 to components that are readily carried and transported todifferent sites. The components are sized to fit into a normalautomobile of size similar to a station wagon. Correspondingly, thecomponents of the exercise frame 10 are conveniently sized to be carriedinto a new location and quickly assembled there.

The exercise frame 10 is formed of a limited number of components. Thesecomponents are joined together by connections that can be secured by aremovable pin so that assembly and disassembly of the frame requires notools. The connections typically will be by overlapped walls of matedcomponents carrying one or more aligned apertures. The removable pin isinserted or removed from an aligned aperture to assemble or disassemblethe components. The components are a floor plate, a base frame thatmates with the floor plate, a pair of elongated arms that mate with thebase frame, an overhead frame that mates with the base frame, and a bodysupport member that mates with the base frame. Thus, the base framemates with all of the other components and provides a supportingstructure that unites the various components into the assembled exerciseframe 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise frame 10 includes a floorplate 12 that defines an operator area. The size of the floor plate issuitable to receive a wheelchair so that, optionally, the user canremain in a wheelchair during exercise. A suitable size of the floorplate is a rectangle of about thirty-six inches from front-to-rear andabout forty inches from side-to-side. The entire exercise frame 10 canbe lightweight, for example formed of aluminum, because the floor plate12 will carry the weight of the operator. Thus, the operator providesstability by locating his own mass upon the floor plate 12 during use.

The floor plate 12 is a generally rectangular plate and is equipped withperipheral fittings or brackets 14 for defining a reception area on thefloor plate for receiving the base frame 16. In addition, the brackets14 connect the base frame 16 to the plate 12. The fittings 14 may beangle brackets having one arm welded to the floor plate 12 to fix thebrackets in predetermined positions. The second arm of each bracket 14is upstanding and spaced inwardly from the periphery of the floor plate12 by the approximate thickness of base frame members, further describedbelow. This inward spacing may be about two inches.

The bottom of base frame 16 rests on the floor plate during use. Thebottom of base frame 16 is sized to fit the perimeter of the floor plateat a predetermined position, which preferably is along rear edge thereofand at contiguous portions of each side edge thereof. The bottom of baseframe 16 defines a three-sided rectangle with an open front allowing awheel chair to enter the operator's area defined by the central portionof the floor plate 12. The base frame 16 can be viewed as composed ofthree sub-frames. One sub-frame is a rear frame, and two additionalsub-frames are side frames. The rear frame includes a rear bar 18 thatextends along the rear edge of the floor plate. The rear bar is similarin length to the width of the floor plate, which as noted above may beabout forty inches.

The rear frame is connected to the two side frames. Rear bar 18 isconnected at its opposite ends to a pair of sidebars 20 that extendalong the opposite sides edges of the floor plate. The sidebars 20extend from the rear edge of the floor plate toward the front edge. Thesidebars 20 are the bottom portions of the two side frames. The sidebars20 extend over only a part of the front-to-rear distance of the floorplate 12, such as about two-thirds of this distance or about two feet.

At least two brackets 14 connected each of the bottom edge bars 18, 20to the floor plate. The brackets 14 may be welded to the top surface offloor plate 12 in suitable positions to mate against the bottom bars ofa properly positioned base frame 16. The upright arm of each fittingdefines a fastening aperture. The base frame bars 18, 20 each define amatching transverse aperture to each of the corresponding bracketapertures so that the base frame 16 can be secured to the brackets 14when the base frame is in its predetermined, proper position withrespect to the floor plate 12.

Removable fasteners 22 are inserted through the aperture of each bracketand into the matching aperture in the base frame during assembly. Thefasteners 22 are generally pin fasteners. More specifically, each may beof any known type of quick-connect fasteners, although bolts or boltswith nuts also might be used. Preferred quick-connect fasteners includeclevis pins, detent ring pins, bow-tie locking cotter pins, lynch pins,or pressure screws. Suitable quick-connect fasteners are of the typethat can be pushed through the aligned holes of the two components andremoved by pulling. A detent or similar spring-loaded feature of such afastener will provide positive retention while allowing the fastener tobe pulled out for quick disassembly. Similar fasteners 22 can be usedthroughout other portions of the assembly.

The side frames of base frame 16 each include an attached an uprightportion 24, which typically is welded to a base frame bar 20. Each ofthe two opposite sidebars 20 carries an attached upright side frame 24.Each upright side frame 24 is topped by a horizontal side housing 26,preferably formed of square tubing. The tubing enables each side housing26 to telescopically receive a carried bar 34 that is longitudinallyelongated and formed of suitably sized square tube, as described below.Solely for convenience of reference, throughout this description and theclaims that follow, the elongated bars 34 that are received in the sidehousings 26 may be referred to as exercise bars.

The side housings 26 are preferred to be substantially shorter than thefront-to-rear dimension of the floor plate, so as to reveal most of thelength of a carried exercise bar 34. A suitable length of a side housing26 is about one foot. These side housings 26 preferably are positionedwith a rear end of each lying at the vertical rear plane of the floorplate and extending forward there from. The upright portions 24 of thebase frame 16 are suitably sized to carry the housings 26 at about theshoulder height of a seated user, such as a user in a wheelchair. Asuitable height for portions 24 is about two and one-half to three feetabove the floor plate 12. The exercise bars 34 are carried at about thisspecified height above the floor plate 12.

The rear frame of base frame 16 carries an upright, vertical tube 28,which may be welded to the rear member 18 near the center of its length.At a position about two feet above rear member 18, the central verticaltube 28 carries a horizontal housing 30. The housing 30 has a hollowcore that is longitudinally oriented from front-to-rear of the floorplate. Housing 30 will be referred to as a central housing.

Above the horizontal, central housing 30, the vertical tube 28 defines avertical socket housing with open top. The socket housing may be anadditional length of square tubing that is welded to the top ofhorizontal, central housing 30. The vertical socket housing will beconsidered herein to be a further extension of vertical tube 26.Therefore, the socket housing is considered to be the top portion ofvertical tube 28. The socket housing is suited to receive an overheadframe, described below. A suitable length for the socket housing isabout fifteen inches. A side wall of the socket housing and a side wallof the central housing 30 each define a transverse aperture suitablysized to receive a pin fastener 22.

The vertical tube 28 of the rear frame is connected to each of the sideframes. Preferably, right and left junction rods 32 are welded at oneend to the tube 28 and at the second end to a respective one of thehorizontal side housings 26. The junction rods 32 and rear bar 18 liealong the vertical rear plane of the floor plate. Each horizontal sidebar 20, the attached upright frame 24, and the attached side housing 26may lie along a vertical side plane of the floor plate. The upright sideframes 24 are at least partially forward of the rear plane and establisha strong, truss-like structure in the construction of the base frame 16.The complete base frame is about forty-three inches high at the top ofvertical bar 28, forty inches wide, and about two feet long at the sideframe bars 20. This size is easily handled and moved through doorways.The base frame 16 has an open front, which further aids movement aroundobstacles in confined areas.

As noted previously, each of the horizontal side housings 26 slidably ortelescopically receives a longitudinally elongated horizontal exercisebar 34. The exercise bars 34 may be formed of square tubing having across-section size that fits telescopically inside the square tube of ahousing 26 by sliding in or through the hollow core of the side housing.The cross-sectional sizes of the side housings 26 and exercise bars 34are suitable to permit free sliding between them, while engagement withthe square cross-sectional profile of housings 26 prevents the exercisebars 34 from substantial twisting about the longitudinal axis. A sidehousing may have a two and one-half inch wall length in cross-section.An exercise bar 34 may have a two-inch wall length in cross-section,which suitably fits through the hollow center of a side housing 26 whenstandard square tubing is used. Each exercise bar 34 is longer than thefront-to-rear dimension of the floor plate 12, which enables theexercise bar to be engaged in a side housing 26 while extending beyondthe front edge of the floor plate. A suitable length for an exercise bar34 is about five feet.

An exercise bar 34 can be secured in any of a variety of positions withrespect to a telescoped side housing 26. For example, the apertureformed in the sidewall of each side housing 26 may carry a fastener 22,which can be a setscrew or a quick-connect device that can be engaged inan aligned transverse aperture in an exercise bar 34. Performingexercises on the assembled frame 10 can benefit from frequentrepositioning of the exercise bars 34. For this reason, a preferredfastener 23 is installed on side housings 26. Fastener 23 is a cartridgecomposed of a keeper holding a spring-loaded pin. The cartridge 23semi-permanently mounts to the aperture of housing 26. The keeperretains the moveable fastening pin while allowing the pin to be movedinto or out of engagement with the exercise bar 34.

Each of the exercise bars 34 defines a series of longitudinally spacedapertures. For example, an exercise bar may define a series of aperturesat six-inch spacing. A fastener 22 in the side aperture of a housing 26can be engaged with any of the apertures in the series defined byexercise bar 34. Thus, such a fastener can lock the position of theexercise bar at any of a variety of preselected positions with respectto the side housing 26. Therefore, although the exercise bar may beabout five feet in length, a substantial portion of this length can bemoved rearward of the side housings 26, if desired.

The base frame 16 supports an overhead frame at the top socket ofvertical bar 28. A vertical standard 36 of the overhead frame fits intothe top socket of vertical bar 28. A side wall of the vertical standard36 defines an aperture that aligns with the aperture of the verticalsocket when the standard is bottomed in the socket. A pin fastener 22 isinserted through the aligned apertures between the two components. Asuitable vertical length for the standard is about sixty-four inches.

Near its top, the vertical standard 36 carries an overhead bar 38 thatextends forward over the operator area of the floor plate 12. At aforward end, the overhead bar 38 carries a transverse crossbar 40,forming a T-shaped horizontal, overhead structure. The crossbar 40 has awidth similar to or wider than the width of the floor plate 12. Thelength of the overhead bar 38 is sufficient to locate the crossbar 40over a central part of the operator area of the floor plate 12. Asuitable length for the overhead bar is about twenty-two inches. Asuitable length for the crossbar is about four feet.

The base frame 16 provides support for a body support member. The baseframe carries a torso support pad 42 of the body support member. A usercan employ the torso support pad 42 as either a backrest or a chestrest, especially when the user is seated in a wheelchair. A depthadjustment bar 44 is carried on the rear of the torso support pad 42 anddefines a closely spaced series of apertures. Central housing 30receives the adjustment bar 44. A suitable length for the depthadjustment bar 44 is about fourteen inches, and a suitable spacing ofapertures through the bar 44 is about two inches. The pad 42 extendsinto the operator area by a depth that is adjusted by locking theadjustment bar 44 to the central housing 30 at the desired relativeposition. A fastener 22 is inserted through the aperture of the centralhousing and a selected aperture of the adjustment bar 44 to select theposition of the torso support pad 42.

Anchors 46 are attached at various positions to other components of theexercise frame 10 to provide attachment points for resistance elementssuch as elastic cords. The anchors also are configured to provideconvenient handgrips for assembling, disassembling, and movingcomponents of the exercise frame. At least some of the anchors 46 may beU-shaped and of about a three inch width so that they are easily engagedby hand. These anchors are especially useful for lifting and carryingthe various component assemblies of the exercise frame 10. Anchors 46that configured as handgrips are located at the forward end of eachexercise bar 34, at the opposite ends of the overhead crossbar 40, atthe front end of each side bar 20, and at the front edge of the floorplate 12. Anchors in these positions are a substantial aid to theportability of the exercise frame 10 when it is in disassembledconfiguration.

In the assembled exercise frame 10, the anchors 46 are located at nearfloor-level positions, mid-level positions, and overhead positions toenable a range of full body exercises. For example, two low anchors 46are carried on each of the two sidebars 20. These include the frontanchors described above and midpoint, L-shaped anchors that areconnected between each sidebar 20 and its upright side frame 24. Twoadditional low anchors 46 are carried on the top face of rear bar 18.The rear bar anchors may be slightly smaller than the handgrip anchors.Two more low anchors 46 are attached to the floor plate near its frontedge, as previously described. If desired, low level anchors can be usedto secure a wheelchair to the floor plate 12 during exercise, usingelastic cords. The floor plate also carries a pair of caster wheels 48at the rear edge. The anchors 46 on the front edge of the floor platecan serve the additional function of lifting grips for tilting theassembled exercise frame 10 onto the rear caster wheels 48 for minorlocal movement of the entire frame 12.

The front end of each horizontal exercise bar 34 carries a mid-levelanchor, as previously described. Two additional mid-level anchors arecarried on the bottom face of junction rods 32. These may be of thesmaller size and are directly opposite the similar anchors on the topface of the rear bar 18. Another two mid-level anchors are carried onthe center-facing walls of side housings 26. As also previouslydescribed, the crossbar 40 carries two overhead anchors 46.

Elastic cords 50 provide resistance force for exercises. On one end,each cord 50 carries a closed fastener 52 that can engage any of theanchor rings. Suitable fasteners include a carabiner, eyehook, or gatedspring clip. The opposite end of each cord 50 carries a handgrip.

In use of the assembled frame 10, the operator, trainer or therapist canclip fasteners 52 of cords 50 to any of the anchors 46 to position thecords for use in exercise. As may be required, the positions of someanchors 46 are adjustable to conform to the user's body size, exerciseposition, or other preferences. The anchors are adjustable at least bymoving the horizontal exercise bars 34 to a new position within housings26. Thus, it is possible for a user to conduct exercises with resistancemembers attached from low, mid-level, or overhead positions.

The specific exercises and elastic cord attachments are selectableaccording to the needs and desires of the user. The exercise frameoffers a stable and versatile platform for exercising all parts of thebody. A user not in a wheelchair can substitute an ordinary exercisebench in the operator area.

The widely adjustable exercise arms 34 offer particular advantage. Theanchors 46 near the front ends of the arms 34 can be placed anywherefrom a full forward position to a full rearward position. In fullforward position of the arms 34, the attached anchors 46 are nearly fivefeet in front of the rear plane of the frame 10. As indicated, above,the anchors 46 are of suitable size to be convenient handgrips. Thefully forward position of arms 34 and attached anchors 46 offersassistance and guidance for a user moving a wheelchair into the operatorarea. If the arms 34 are moved as far back as possible in housings 26,the attached anchors 46 are only about a foot in front of the rear planeof the frame 10. If desired for any reason, the arms 34 could bereversed in direction and inserted from the rear of housings 26 toextend from the rear of the frame 10. Such reverse placement of the arms34 would open the sides of the operator area of frame 10 to accommodatean appropriate situation.

The frame 10 is easily and quickly assembled for use. The floor plate 12can be carried by attached front anchors 46 or wheeled on rear casters48 to a desired position and then placed on a floor. The base frame 16is set upon the floor plate, guided by the pairs of side and rearbrackets 14. The spacing of brackets 14 from the juxtaposed edges of thefloor plate is approximately the thickness of the tubing forming thebase frame 16, such that the base frame is accurately guided to itsproper position wherein apertures of the base members 18, 20 are alignedwith the apertures of corresponding brackets 14. Fasteners 22 areinserted through the accurately aligned apertures to temporarily securethe base frame 16 to the floor plate 12. With this single assembly step,the partial frame provides anchors at low and mid-level and can be usedfor many exercises.

In most cases, it is desirable to slide each the two exercise arms 34into a respective housing 26 and align the aperture of the housing 26with any one of a series of apertures spaced along arm 34. The pin offastener cartridges 23 is pulled back for receiving the arms 34 into thehousings 26. The pin is moved forward to temporarily secure the arm 34in one of the available positions. With this second assembly step, thepartial frame provides anchors at an expanded and variable range ofmid-level positions and can be used for an expanded range of exercises.Optionally, the torso rest 42 can be positioned, if desired, byinserting adjustment bar 44 through central housing 30 and aligning theaperture of housing 30 with a selected one of several availableapertures spaced along bar 44. A fastener 22 is inserted through thealigned apertures to temporarily secure the torso pad in one of theavailable positions.

In order to fully assemble the frame 10, standard 36 is inserted intothe top socket of vertical bar 28. The standard 36 bottoms in the topsocket when in fully inserted position. For example, the standard canbottom against the top wall of central housing 30. An aperture throughthe standard 36 and an aperture through the vertical bar 28 areprepositioned to align when the standard 36 is bottomed in the socket. Afastener 22 is inserted through the aligned apertures to temporarilysecure the standard 36 in the vertical socket. With this third and finalassembly step, the frame 10 provides anchors additionally at overheadpositions for a still further expanded range of exercises.

The frame 10 is disassembled by the reverse steps. Removing the onefastener 22 from vertical bar 28 and standard 36 releases the standard36 for removal from engagement with the top socket of vertical bar 28.Pulling back the spring-loaded pin of fastener cartridge 23 from eachside housing 26 releases each exercise arm 34 for removal fromengagement with a side housing 26. Removing each of the fasteners 22from the brackets 14 on the floor plate 12 releases the base frame 16for removal from floor plate 12. Removing one fastener 22 from centralhousing 30 releases adjustment bar 44 for removal of the torso pad 42from housing 30. The disassembled components are small enough andlightweight enough to be carried comfortably by hand. Typically, thedisassembled components can be compactly lashed together on a small handtruck for convenient movement as a single bundle to or from anautomobile.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be regarded as falling within the scope of the invention as definedby the claims that follow.

1. A portable exercise frame, convertible between assembled anddisassembled configurations, wherein the exercise frame in assembledconfiguration comprises: a floor plate having first and second sideedges, a rear edge, and a front edge; a base frame carried on said floorplate with portions of the base frame establishing opposite, first andsecond side frames located near opposite, first and second side edges ofthe floor plate, and a rear frame located near a rear edge of the floorplate, together with said front edges of the floor plate defining anoperator area suitably sized to receive thereon a user in a wheelchair;said opposite, first and second side frames each including an upstandingportion carrying a respective first and second longitudinally elongatedside housing spaced above the floor plate and defining a passageoriented from front-to-rear of the floor plate, spaced above the floorplate at approximately shoulder height of user seated in a wheelchair insaid operator area; first and second longitudinally elongated exercisebars slidably received in said passages of said respective first andsecond side housings such that the exercise bars are slidable between aforward extended position and a retracted position with respect to saidoperator area; exercise bar fastening means for releasably securing saidfirst and second longitudinally elongated exercise bars in a selectedposition through the respective side housings, chosen from a pluralityof available positions; and a plurality of anchoring members configuredsuitably for, in use, attaching a resistance element to said exerciseframe when the frame is in assembled configuration and suitable for handengagement for carrying disassembled portions of the exercise frame whenin disassembled configuration, wherein at least some of said anchoringmembers are mounted to the floor plate, to the base frame, and to theexercise bars.
 2. The portable exercise frame according to claim 1,wherein in assembled configuration said base frame is arranged in apredetermined position on said floor plate and further comprises: aplurality of brackets secured to said floor plate in fixed positionsbordering said predetermined position on the floor plate, wherein saidbrackets and said base frame define apertures that are mutually alignedwhen the base frame is in the predetermined position; and base framefastening means removably carried in said mutually aligned apertures ofthe base frame and brackets, for securing the base frame in thepredetermined position on the floor plate.
 3. The portable exerciseframe according to claim 1, wherein said rear frame of said base framecomprises: a rear bar arranged transversely along the rear edge of saidfloor plate; an upright bar connected to said rear bar near the centerof the rear bar and defining an open-topped socket housing at the topend of the rear bar; first and second junction bars, each connected at afirst end to said upright bar and respectively connected at the secondend to a component of said first and second side frames; and a bodysupport member located forward of said upright bar and extending intosaid operator area, positionable to engage the back of a user in awheelchair backed into the operator area.
 4. The portable exercise frameaccording to claim 3, wherein: said second ends of said first and secondjunction bars respectively are connected to said first and secondlongitudinally elongated side housings.
 5. The portable exercise frameaccording to claim 1, wherein said base frame further comprises: anupwardly open socket housing located near a vertical rear plane of thefloor plate; a upright standard removably carried in said socket; anoverhead bar extending forward from near the top of said standard tonear the center of said floor plate; and an elongated crossbartransversely connected to said overhead bar near a forward end of theoverhead bar and carrying at least one of said anchoring members neareach longitudinal end of the crossbar.
 6. The portable exercise frameaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of laterally spacedcaster wheels attached near the rear edge of said floor plate, arrangedto be engage an underlying floor when the front edge of the floor plateis elevated; and wherein said anchoring members mounted to the floorplate include at least a spaced pair of hand engagable anchoring membersattached near the front edge of the floor plate for elevating the frontedge to engage said caster wheels with the underlying surface.
 7. Aportable exercise frame, comprising: a generally rectangular floor platehaving first and second side edges, a rear edge, and a front edge; abase frame having a rear bar, a first side bar, and a second side barsupporting the base frame on said floor plate, wherein said rear bar isarranged along said rear edge of the floor plate, said first side bar isarranged along said first side edge of the floor plate, and said secondside bar thereof arranged along a said second side edge of the floorplate opposite from the first side edge, together with said front edgesof the floor plate defining an operator area suitably sized to receivethereon a user in a wheelchair; base frame fastening means for securingsaid base frame to the floor plate, wherein said base frame fasteningmeans also are releasable for disassembling the base frame from thefloor plate; a first tubular housing joined to said base plate andspaced above said first side bar at said first side of the floor plateat approximately shoulder height with respect to a user seated in awheelchair in said operator area, having an open core positioned in afront-to-rear orientation with respect to the floor plate; a firstelongated exercise bar, engagable in a front-to-rear orientation in saidfirst tubular housing, and defining a longitudinally spaced plurality oftransverse apertures; exercise bar fastening means for securing saidexercise bar to the first tubular housing at a selected one of saidspaced plurality of transverse apertures, wherein said exercise barfastening means also is releasable for altering the horizontal positionof the first exercise bar in the first tubular housing or disassemblingthe exercise bar from the first tubular housing; and a plurality ofanchoring members configured for, in use, attaching a resistance elementto said exercise frame when the frame is in assembled configuration, andfor hand engagement for carrying disassembled portions of the exerciseframe when the frame is in disassembled configuration, wherein at leastsome of said anchoring members are mounted near the front edge of thefloor plate, to the base frame, and near the front end of the firstexercise bar.
 8. The portable exercise frame according to claim 7,further comprising: a socket housing spaced above said rear bar at saidrear edge of the floor plate, having an open top and positioned in anupright orientation with respect to the floor plate; an upright standardengagable at a bottom end thereof in said socket housing; a fastenersecuring the standard in the socket housing, wherein said fastener alsois releasable for permitting removal of the standard from the sockethousing; an overhead bar connected to the standard at a position spacedupwardly from the socket housing, wherein said overhead bar extendsforward from the standard to a position overlying a central area of saidfloor plate; a crossbar connected to the overhead bar at a positionoverlying a central area of the floor plate, wherein said crossbarextends transversely from the overhead bar and carries at least one ofsaid anchoring means near each end.
 9. The portable exercise frameaccording to claim 7, wherein said base frame fastening means comprises:a plurality of brackets affixed to said floor plate in a patterndefining a predetermined area of the floor plate for receiving said baseframe with at least two of the brackets juxtaposed to each of said rearbar, first side bar, and second side bar when the base frame is receivedon said predetermined area, wherein said brackets and base frame definepairs of pin-receiving apertures that are mutually aligned when the baseframe is positioned on said predetermined area; and a plurality ofquick-release pin fasteners engaged in said pairs of mutually alignedapertures, releasably securing the base frame to the floor plate in saidpredetermine area.
 10. The portable exercise frame according to claim 7,wherein said base frame further comprises: a body support member carriedin a position with respect to said base frame that said body supportmember extends forward into said operator area from the rear endthereof, suitably positionable to engage the back of a user in awheelchair backed into the operator area.
 11. The portable exerciseframe according to claim 10, wherein said body support member comprises:a torso support pad located in said operator area; and an adjustment barcarrying said torso support pad at a front end thereof and extendingrearward therefrom; and wherein said base frame supports an adjustmentbar housing carrying said adjustment bar rearward of the torso supportpad at a suitable height such that the torso support pad is engagablewith the back of a user in a wheelchair backed into the operator area.12. The portable exercise frame according to claim 11, furthercomprising: means for selectively varying the forward position of saidtorso support pad into the operator area.
 13. An exercise frame,comprising: a floor plate having right and left side edges, a rear edge,and a front edge; a frame extending upward from said floor plate, havinga rear portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion, togetherwith said front edge of said floor plate defining an operator areasuitably sized to receive thereon a user in a wheelchair in backed-inposition; a torso support pad extending into said operator area fromsaid rear portion of said frame at a suitable height above the floorplate to engage the torso of a user seated in a backed-in wheelchair insaid operator area; an adjustment bar carrying said torso support pad ata front end thereof and engaging the rear portion of the frame with arear portion thereof; an adjustable mechanism supporting said adjustmentbar at a variably selected extension from the rear portion of the framefor supporting the torso support pad at a selectively variable forwardposition from the rear portion of the frame; right and left sideexercise bars, longitudinally elongated in a front-to-rear dimensionwith respect to said floor plate; a right side housing joined to saidright side frame portion near said rear frame portion, elevated abovethe floor plate at about shoulder height of a user seated in awheelchair, defining a front-to-rear passage for receiving said rightside exercise bar, and a left side housing joined to said left sideframe portion near the rear frame portion, elevated above the floorplate at about shoulder height of a user seated in a wheelchair,defining a front-to-rear passage for receiving said left side exercisebar; exercise bar fastening means for releasably securing said right andleft side exercise bars in a selected position through the respectiveright and left side housings, chosen from a plurality of availablepositions; wherein said exercise bars are slidable in said housingsbetween a forward position wherein the fronts of the bars extend infront of the operator area for use in exercise by a user in a backed-inwheelchair and a rearward position wherein the fronts of the bars areretracted to near said respective side housings; and a plurality ofanchoring members configured for, in use, attaching a resistance elementto said exercise frame, wherein at least some of said anchoring membersare mounted near the front edge of the floor plate, to the frame, andnear the fronts of the right and left exercise bars.